Lighthouse Project - Chapter Six: The Game Changers

Builder of the Naples Philharmonic Center for the Arts. After long, arduous years of hard work and planning, the music and art center opened in 1989.

Frank Mackle

He and his brothers joined forces with other investors, including members of the Collier family, to form the Marco Island Development Corp. and develop modern day Marco Island.

Mary Ellen Hawkins

Former newspaper reporter and state representative for Naples from 1974 to 1994. Sponsored legislation creating Big Cypress Basin District and designating Rookery Bay a state aquatic preserve.

Loral F. "Swede" Gwaltney

One of the early doctors in the Naples area. For 10 years he was the only anesthesiologist at the new Naples hospital. He delivered more than 2,000 babies. After he died in 1990, a fund to provide medical care for the poor was established in his name.

John Pulling

Naples pioneer who built the first Pine Ridge Road using his own money. Airport-Pulling Road is named in honor of his family.

David Robinson

The first president of Edison Community College, he was instrumental in starting a campus in Collier County.

Leonard Rosen

He and his brother Julius were the developers of Golden Gate, advertised as the largest platted subdivision in America with miles and miles of canals and paved roads that caused unprecedented environmental havoc.

Forrest Walker

Naples pioneer and developer of Aqualane Shores, the first waterfront development in Naples. Walker and his sons Lorenzo and Robert did much of the dredging and filling work themselves, with Forrest operating the bulldozer.

Edwin "Ned" Putzell

Naples mayor from 1986-1990. Known for his "Let's Keep Naples Green" program and for improving Lowdermilk and Cambier parks, among other accomplishments.

E. George Rogers

Retired CPA came to Naples in 1953. Cofounded 1st National Bank of Naples and Naples Art Association (with Elsie Upham).